Taking a closer look at the causes and consequences of problem debt, our research and reports make the evidence-based case for changing regulation, law and practice, to reduce the risk and harm of it.

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• Research and reports
• Personal debt statistics
• Monthly client data reports

 Debt's early grip: The challenges facing young adults

November 2024

Around one in four (23%) 18-24 year olds are in some form of financial difficulty. Young adults are also more likely than other age groups to face unemployment and work-related instability. Our new report delves deeper into the demographic and debt profiles of 18-24 year olds, as well as the wider issues affecting those in this age group, to provide a more rounded picture of some of the early financial challenges they face.

 Looking through the keyhole: StepChange debt advice clients’ experiences of the council tax debt collection

October 2024

StepChange’s new policy report offers a deep dive into clients’ experience of the council tax debt collection journey, exploring affordability challenges, interactions with local authorities and enforcement agents. It makes a number of recommendations to central and local Government, geared towards improving outcomes for those struggling with council tax bills.

 How consumer credit causes harm for people struggling with the cost of living

May 2024

StepChange's new infographic explores why consumer credit can lead to poor outcomes for people struggling with living costs and what government, regulators and industry can do to help.

 In work. But still in debt: Charting the rise of clients in full time work

April 2024

Many people across the UK in full-time employment still face problem debt and their employment hasn’t been able to shield them from this. The report highlights the potential inadequacy of existing safety nets, the prevalence of in-work debt problems, and gender-specific experiences. YouGov polling commissioned by StepChange reveals that in the UK, among those that are experiencing problem debt (9% and around 2.8 million people), around 52% are in full-time employment.

Read all our research

 Coping with cost of living pressures

April 2024
Since September 2022, StepChange has commissioned YouGov to conduct research to better understand how the increased cost of living is affecting the wider UK population.

 Stats Yearbook 2023

March 2024
Our report provides insight into the demographic and debt situations of clients, who fully completed their very first debt advice session, between January and December 2023.

See more personal debt statistics

Our series of regular reports provide insight into the demographic and debt information of clients who got debt advice in the previous month.

Read the reports

Policy and campaigns

Using data and research to campaign for evidence-backed financial reform across the UK, working with parliaments, briefing ministers, and responding to consultations.

Find out more about our policy and campaigning work